Earlier this week, the American Heart Association released the 80/20 rule regarding how to avoid heart disease. It discerns that 20% of your risk for cardiovascular disease is based on genetics, while 80% is based upon your lifestyle choices.

While my clients initially come to me for exercise programs and fitness-related advice, I always get asked this question after the first couple of training sessions: What should I eat for breakfast? It's a good one.

If you've kept up with the workings of the food industry this past week, then you're likely to have heard that Whole Foods, the most popular chain of organic grocery stores in the United States, is dropping Chobani yogurt products from its offerings.

I was always one of those people to accept a challenge. When someone told me I couldn't do something, I was determined to prove them wrong!
Looking back on my life, all of my most exciting adventures and learning experiences were because I was first challenged by someone else or myself. 6 months in Spain followed by backpacking through Europe. Moving to NJ by myself for a new job. Playing rugby in college. Qualifying to run the Boston Marathon. And most recently, an open water swim triathlon.

No.1 Nuts or Trail Mix - avoid mixes with added sugar such as candy No. 2 Cereal - look for whole grain, high fiber cereals available at most gas stations. Scan the shelves for whole grain crackers to pair with dairy for a balanced snack

Sugar Substitute ~ SPLENDA .... VERY IMPORTANT READ FOR EVERYONE. I just had a in-depth conversation last night with a friend that has been suffering from severe migraine headaches and vertigo issues, as well as complication with tinnitus, as we spoke I realized it was some of the same symptoms that I had experienced years ago, and which my doctor misdiagnose. But hearing what she had to say, and the pain, suffering and fear she had and was going through made me decided to do more research.